Reds rival Gunners for midfielder

Liverpool are being linked with Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin but he looks more likely to be heading to Arsenal.

The Gunners have been trying to land the player for the past month as he has been told he can leave Real Madrid on a season-long loan after failing to establish himself in Jose Mourinho's plans. Arsenal's arch rivals Spurs have had two offers for the 23-year-old turned down by the player in the past two weeks but have not given up hope of landing him and Manchester United are also in the hunt for the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers would rather land Joe Allen but Swansea are playing hardball over the price so he may turn his attentions elsewhere and move for Sahin who has been operating in a utility role during pre-season for Madrid. Arsene Wenger remains favourite though as he is a long-term admirer of Sahin and made contact with Madrid over a deal last week.